Bachelor of Arts in
Graphic/Information Design
BA Degree Pathway
A Design Program strong on concepts, process, and creation.
Central’s BA in Graphic/Information Design prepares students for careers in the many areas of design today: graphic design, information design, UI/UX, marketing, and communication, motion graphics, and AI.
Graduates create, organize, and evaluate portfolios and apply creative problem solving and technical skills to produce art and designs in a variety of mediums. Additionally, students graduate with a comprehensive understanding of design thinking, research methods for design, design process, graphic design, information design, typography, color theory for print and screen, branding & identity, web design, design for screen, design for motion, multimedia design, 3-D/AR, generative AI in design, UI/UX design, digital imaging, and animation.
Attend full- or part-time
Classes on-campus and in hybrid format
Portfolio development
Hands-on skill development and more
Design Major Courses | 39 credits
Design & Fonts | DES 100
Fundamentals of Graphic/Information Design | DES 122
Graphic/Information Design I | DES 222
History & Design of Typography | DES 225
Topics in Graphic/Information Design | DES 265
Digital Stories through Time-based Motion Graphics | DES 301
Advertising & Promotion | MKT 306
UX Design | DES 310
Graphic/Information Design II | DES 322
Digital Imaging/Motion Graphics I | DES 325
Digital Imaging/Motion Graphics II | DES 326
UI/UX Design | DES 328
History of Design | DES 419
3-D and AV/VR for Graphic/Information Design | DES 425
Graphic/Information Design III | DES 436
Graphic/Information Design IV | DES 438
Design Internship | DES 437
Central Design | DES 439
Special Topics in Graphic/Information Design | DES 465
Computer Apps for Graphic/Information Design | DES 499
Directed Elective (Advisor Approved)
Additionally Required Courses | 15 credits
Fundamentals of Marketing | MKT 295
Drawing I | ART 130
Art History | ART 110 – 113
Illustration I | ART 224
Directed Elective (Advisor Approved)
Major-Related Course List or Standard Minor| 18 credits
Approval of advisor required, with a minimum of 9 credits at the 300-400 course level, must be taken at CCSU.
UX Design Certificate | 12 credits
User Experience Design | DES 310
Fundamentals of Marketing | MKT 295
Elementary Statistics | STAT 104
Introduction to Web Programming | CS 110
Learning Outcomes
LO #1 Apply design theory, process & principles from a creative perspective.
LO #2 Apply critical thinking, design vocabulary and digital literacy to create, organize, and evaluate graphic design projects.
LO #3 Apply creative problem-solving and technical skills in the creation of effective design solutions for social media and website design.
LO #4 Apply creative problem-solving and technical skills in the creation of effective design solutions for print design.
LO #5 Apply 3D modeling techniques and demonstrate adaptive design skills in an AR-enhanced multidisciplinary design workflow.
NOTES
A grade of C- or better is required in all other major, major-related, and pre-requisite course work.
Courses counted in your major may not be double counted or double placed in the Minor, or major-related course area.
Advising and program information provided on this website is for general information and guidance only. It does not constitute a contract, either express or implied, and is subject to revision at the University’s discretion. A plan of study may be subject to revision to reflect such additional requirements.
120 credits are required. Minimum of 30 credits taken in residence.
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Overview of the principles, practices, and purposes of the field of graphic/information design. This class is in Study Area 1 and is open to all CCSU students.
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Exploration of Graphic/Information Design principles, practices, and problem solving.
A student must receive a score of 85 (B) or better in DES 122, Fundamentals of Graphic / Information Design to become a GID major. -
Introductory techniques for the professional practice of graphic/information design. Includes instruction in appropriate computer applications. Explores issues relating to typographic, symbolic, and 3-dimensional design. Majors only.
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Exploration of the technologies that have influenced the evolution of letter forms. Includes exercise and project work in type design and introduces generative applications for contemporary design. Majors only.
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Various 200-level topics in the field of Design such as History and Technics of Photography; Typography and Artist Books; and more
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Continuation of DES 222. Advanced techniques for the professional practice of graphic/information design. Includes instruction in appropriate computer applications. Typographic and series design solutions will be stressed. Majors only.
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Computer processing of image for design (graphic/information) using a variety of programs. Image enhancement, manipulation, and derivation techniques will be explored. Majors only.
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Advanced computer processing of image for design (graphic/information) using a variety of programs. Additional image enhancement, manipulation, and derivation techniques will be explored. Majors only.
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History and philosophy of design function and aesthetics. Topics include graphic design, industrial design, and architectural design. Majors only.
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Exploration of the artistic and creative three dimensional visual effects including modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering and compositing as it applies to the practice of Graphic/Information Design. Majors only.
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Additional advanced techniques for the professional practice of graphic/information design. Includes instruction in appropriate computer applications. Campaign and expansive design solutions will be stressed. Majors only.
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Continuation of DES 436. Additional advanced techniques for the professional practice of graphic/information design. Includes instruction in appropriate computer applications. Professional presentation and design for the web will be stressed. Majors only.
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Study of the relationship of computer application in contemporary graphic/information design practice. Laboratory exploration of relevant software and its application in the field.
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Internship with professional graphic/information design organization.
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Graphic/information design practice. Features real project and production situations with simulation of a real world graphic/information design atmosphere.
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Selected topics in graphic/information design. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of six credits.
